Not a government website. We are a private company, not affiliated with any Secretary of State, notary commissioning office or contractor licensing board. Renewal applications are filed directly with your state.
Maryland notary renewal in short
The course is the step people miss: since October 1, 2021 every renewal applicant completes a course of study from a provider on the Secretary of State's approved list.[1] Then you apply online through Renew Your Notary Commission.[1]
The commission is not finished online. You take the oath and receive the commission from the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where you live or work, within 30 days of the notice of renewal; the clerk charges $1 to qualify plus up to $11 for the commission.[2][1] Maryland gives a short cushion: you can still renew up to 30 days after expiration; after that you apply as a new notary.[1]
Maryland rules side by side with other states: how to renew a notary commission. Other states: New York notary renewal, Texas notary renewal, Florida notary renewal, Illinois notary renewal, Colorado notary renewal, North Carolina notary renewal, Ohio notary renewal, California notary renewal, New Jersey notary renewal, Missouri notary renewal, Virginia notary renewal, Georgia notary renewal, Michigan notary renewal, Arizona notary renewal, Iowa notary renewal, Pennsylvania notary renewal, Oklahoma notary renewal, Kansas notary renewal, Washington notary renewal.
Maryland notary renewal requirements
This table is what Maryland Secretary of State and Md. Code, State Government §18-103 say, read on 2026-11-15. Where they say nothing, the row says so instead of guessing.
| Commission term | 4 years.[2] (Md. Code, State Gov’t §18-103) |
|---|---|
| Earliest day to apply | Renewal opens 60 days before your commission expires, and you can still renew up to 30 days after it expires.[1] |
| State fee | The Secretary of State's processing fee is not on the FAQ we read; at the Clerk of the Circuit Court you pay $1 to qualify plus up to $11 for the commission.[1][2] (Md. Code, State Gov’t §18-103(e)(3)) |
| Bond | Check with the Maryland Secretary of State. |
| Course to renew | Required: every renewal applicant completes a course of study from an approved provider (since October 1, 2021).[1] |
| Exam to renew | Check with the Maryland Secretary of State. |
| Fingerprints or background check | Check with the Maryland Secretary of State. |
| Oath | You take the oath and receive the commission at the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where you live (or work), and pay the clerk $1 to qualify plus up to $11 for the commission.[1][2] (Md. Code, State Gov’t §18-103(d)(3), (e)(3)) |
| Seal or stamp | Check with the Maryland Secretary of State. |
| Journal | Check with the Maryland Secretary of State. |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Check with the Maryland Secretary of State. |
How to renew a Maryland notary commission, step by step
Maryland renewal is 3 steps, in this order.[1][2]
- Complete the course of study from an approved provider.
- In the 60 days before expiration, apply online through Renew Your Notary Commission.
- Within 30 days of the renewal notice, take the oath at the Clerk of the Circuit Court and pay the clerk ($1 plus up to $11).
You apply to Maryland Secretary of State yourself: Maryland notary page. The state decides the application and its timing.
If your Maryland commission already expired
You can still renew up to 30 days after expiration. After that you apply again as a new notary.[1]
After a lapse: course check with the Maryland Secretary of State; exam check with the Maryland Secretary of State.
Name or address change during your commission
Check with the Maryland Secretary of State.
Electronic and remote online notarization: Remote notarization goes through a vendor on the Secretary of State's authorized list.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to take a class to renew my Maryland notary?
Yes. Every renewal applicant completes a course of study from an approved provider.[1]
How early can I renew my notary in Maryland?
60 days before your commission expires.[1]
Can I renew a Maryland notary commission after it expires?
Yes, up to 30 days after expiration. After that you apply again as a new notary.[1]